Pro video blog…Produced by Philip Johnston DoP/Editor

Furtherv2

I am using BVE as a testing ground for the Sony FS7 and I soon realised the pitfalls of using the 28-135 lens for interviews.

lens

Alister Chapman was virtually our first interview of the day, fortunately we have the PXW-X70 with us as a roving second camera to cut in and out of.

In order to get anywhere close to a mid shot you are having to position yourself further away than you would normally and the problem this causes in a busy environment is Alister being able to hear my questions.

lens-col

Fortunately I had the Sony 10-18mm f4 lens with me that was far more useful for this type of interview. People at trade shows are often demonstrating kit and having a slightly looser shot is more advantageous.

Dans-camera

Interestingly Dan Chungs cameraman was using the 24-70mm f2.8 Sony A mount lens for their interviews.

Sony also announced V2 FS7 firmware roadmap yesterday which is a free upgrade…

New Features & Improvements:

Support for 4K (4096×2160) XAVC-I Recording
The FS7 now supports XAVC-I 4K (4096 x 2160) recording, a capability that opens up new possibilities not only for the production of documentaries and programs, but also for a wide range of professional applications. The corresponding frame rates and bit rates are listed below.

Format Resolution Wrap Quality Frame Rate Bit Rate
XAVC-I 4096 x 2160 MXF 4:2:2 10bit 59.94p 600Mbps
29.97p 300Mbps
23.98p 240Mbps
50p 500Mbps
25p 250Mbps

Support for ProRes Recording
The FS7 now supports ProRes recording* (ProRes 422 HQ and ProRes 422)**, providing an easy-to-use environment for those accustomed to the ProRes workflow. The corresponding frame rates are listed below.

* ProRes recording requires attachment of the optional XDCA-FS7 extension unit and a compatible optional power supply (BP-FL75 V-mount battery, etc.)
** This function does not support simultaneous recording, S&Q recording, Picture Cache Rec or other special shooting functions.

Format Resolution Wrap Frame Rate
ProRes 422 HQ 1920 x 1080 MOV 59.94i
29.97p
23.98p
50i
25p
ProRes 422 1920 x 1080 MOV 59.94i
29.97p
23.98p
50i
25p
Support for 4-channel Audio Input and Recording
The FS7 supports 4-channel audio input. In applications such as an interview, this function enables the simultaneous use of an external microphone for recording ambient sounds, the built-in microphone for voice memos by the operator, and two optional UWP Series wireless microphones for voice of interviewer and interviewee.In addition, by the use of an optional XLR adapter “XLR-K2M” which provides additional 2 XLR inputs, possible applications are further expanded.PXW-FS7 V2 Firmware will be downloadable during March 2015

author

Having been working in the video business since 1988 I have amassed a great amount of knowledge of both the kit and production values over the last 30 years.

2 thoughts on “Further thoughts on the Sony 28-135mm f4 lens and V2 software

  1. XAVC-I support , great , and great bitrate.
    abbout the XAVC-L ? is it DOA or MIA?

    the Dan Chungs cameraman sports a viewfinder loupe? what was that? looks like the hoodman for ex1?

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